After losing her furry brother, a senior Labrador named King, Gigi, a Pit Bull, was not only sad but also lonely without her lifelong companion and playmate. Her owner, Aaron Michael Louis, noticed her sadness and decided to help by bringing her to the local park for some social interaction.
Unfortunately, their visits to the park were far from comforting. Despite Aaron’s hope that socializing would cheer Gigi up, other dog owners kept their distance, preventing their dogs from playing with her. This left Gigi playing by herself, a sight that was heartbreaking for Aaron to witness.
Gigi’s experience in the park was a stark reminder that she wanted nothing more than to enjoy the simple joys of play like any other dog.
The Misunderstood Breed
Pit Bulls like Gigi often face significant prejudice largely due to widespread stereotypes. These dogs are commonly mislabeled as dangerous with an unfounded reputation for possessing a stronger bite than other breeds.
However, a study titled “Pit bulls and prejudice,” published by the American Psychological Association, has debunked these myths, affirming that there is no scientific basis for such stereotypes. Despite this, a pervasive bias against Pit Bulls remains deeply ingrained in society, affecting not only Gigi but also her owner, Aaron.
When Aaron took Gigi to the park to help her socialize, he was met with avoidance from other pet owners. “People were avoiding her. They didn’t want their dogs playing with her, so she ended up playing by herself. And that just made me feel so awful, watching my dog not be able to have fun with other dogs,” Aaron shared with The Dodo.
This scenario extended beyond the park; even during walks, Aaron noticed people crossing the street to avoid passing close to them. Despite this, Aaron remained understanding, attributing their behavior to ignorance: “They don’t know us. They’re going off something that they believe without even meeting us.”
Stereotypes Extend Beyond the Dogs
The stigma surrounding Pit Bulls extends beyond the dogs themselves and often affects their owners. Aaron himself has felt the sting of stereotypes. “We’ve been told that I look like a typical Pit bull owner,” he revealed. Despite having owned various dogs throughout his life, Pit Bulls hold a special place in his heart. Before adopting Gigi, Aaron had a Labrador Retriever named King for fifteen years.
As King aged, Aaron decided to welcome another dog into their home. “I met Gigi, and she was just the sweetest, kindest little dog. So, I brought her home, and it was, like, an immediate bond between them,” Aaron recalled. Sadly, King passed away a few months later, deepening the bond between Aaron and Gigi as they grieved together.
Overcoming Prejudice with Community
Determined to change the narrative around so-called “bully breeds” like Pit Bulls, Aaron initiated what he dubbed the “Bully Breed Meetup.” The first event took place in his hometown of San Diego, drawing both excitement and nerves from him and Gigi.
Initially unsure, Gigi’s spirits lifted as more dogs arrived, and her tail began to wag more vigorously. Finally, she could enjoy playing with other dogs. “To see Gigi’s personality grow, to see the love pouring out of her, the joy, the smile she has when she sees her friends… We’ve been through so much. We’ve battled against a lot of hate. But we still lead with love,” Aaron wrote in an Instagram post.
The meetup started as a small gesture to make Gigi happy but has since evolved into a larger movement. Aaron and Gigi have become significant advocates for Pit Bulls, using their substantial social media presence to educate people on the true nature of these dogs. Their efforts have led to numerous Bully breed meetups in the San Diego area, with plans for more in the future.
“My favorite part has been just seeing these dogs grow in that space and find their comfort zone, find their happy place with their humans,” Aaron commented. For more educational and inspirational content, you can follow Gigi on Instagram and her dad, Aaron (or as he likes to call himself, Gigi’s assistant).
